THREE junctions in the Uttlesford have undergone road surface repairs, as part of a countywide October improvement scheme worth £1.5million. Newbiggen Street in Thaxted, High Cross Lane, in Little Canfield and the busy Four Ashes junction in Takeley have

THREE junctions in the Uttlesford have undergone road surface repairs, as part of a countywide October improvement scheme worth £1.5million.

Newbiggen Street in Thaxted, High Cross Lane, in Little Canfield and the busy Four Ashes junction in Takeley have all been improved and resurfaced.

Councillor Norman Hume, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "This is evidence of our continued investment in our network and our sustained efforts to improve the quality of life for our residents.

"In addition to our pledge to deliver 12 congestion busting schemes before April 2009, I am determined that we will also see improvements to roads in our local neighbourhoods and I hope that residents are seeing the benefits of this where they live.

"We have over 9000 miles of roads and pavements in Essex which we regularly examine but we also appreciate the help that residents give us by reporting defects on the highway so we can all work together to deliver the best possible highway network."

Bringing the condition of the road network across the county up to the highest standards is a top priority for the county council and road surveys have placed Essex in the top 25 per cent of all highway authority areas in the country for condition of the roads.

Recent years have seen a focus on network priority routes, or 'A' routes, which has brought significant improvements.

A recent survey of the primary road network showed just 4 per cent were in need of repair, half the level of just two years ago.

Residents can report a problem via the dedicated 'Report a Highways Fault' section on the county council's website or by telephoning its highways hotline on 0845 603 7631.